UFC 159 Results Recap: Jones TKO’s Sonnen in Round 1

UFC 159 is in the books from Newark, New Jersey and the card has ended up being a bit predictable. In the main event, it was business as usual for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, as he dominated Chael Sonnen in the only area people thought Sonnen to have an advantage. Jones grounded his opponent and earned the TKO stoppage towards the end of the first round.

In the co-main event, Michael Bisping outpointed Alan Belcher in a battle long in the making. The trash talk proved to be more than the fight, as Bisping used his trademark kickboxing to earn a strange technical decision win after an inadvertant illegal blow. 

In other action, Roy Nelson continued his win streak by knocking pout Cheick Kongo with his trademark overhand right. After the win, Nelson got vocal with an outlook for the title shot. Phil Davis outpointed Vinny Magalhaes in another bout that had more build-up than substance, but it’s tough to say who he’ll fight next at 3205. Perhaps Glover Teixeira.

Lightweight Jim Miller welcomed Strikeforce import Pat Healy to the Octagon in a bloody war. Miller held an advantage early on, but the tough-as-nails Healy fought back. The fight ended with a brutal finish as Healy choked out the always tough to finish Miller.

Overall, the card failed to deliver unto the great amount of hype. However, it’s tough to be overally critical as the UFC has put on three consecutive weeks with great action-packed shows. Many predicted an underwhelming show for UFC 159, and they can’t all be legends. 

UFC 159 Full Results:

Main Card (PPV, 10:00 PM ET):

Jon Jones def. Chael Sonnen via R1 TKO (Strikes)

Michael Bisping def. Alan Belcher via Technical Decision

Roy Nelson def. Cheick Kongo via R1 KO (Punch)

Phil Davis def. Vinny Magalhaes via UNanimous Decision

Pat Healy def. Jim Miller via R3 Submission (Rear-naked choke)

Preliminary Card (FX, 8:00 PM ET):

Rustam Khabilov def. Yancy Medeiros via TKO (Dislocated thumb)

Ovince St. Preux def. Gian Villante via Majority Technical Decision

Sara McMann def. Shiela Gaff via R1 TKO (strikes)

Bryan Caraway def. Johnny Bedford via R3 Submission (Guillotine choke)

Preliminary Card (Facebook, 6:30 PM ET)

Cody McKenzie def. Leonard Garcia via UNanimous Decision

Steven Siler def. Kurt Holobaugh via UNanimous Decision

Lowkick MMA UFC 159 Fight Awards:

Performance of the Night: Pat Healy gets the nod in a fight where few picked him to win. He comes into the Octagon with immediate contention at 155 after finishing the gritty Miller.

Finish of the Night: In a night short on impressive finishes, Roy Nelson gets the nod for knocking out fellow striker Cheick Kongo with a brutal overhand right.

Fight of the Night: Miller and Healy earn the award on an underwhelming card. Their fight featured many of the most action-packed moments of the night.